Crafting the Apocalypse

Rating: 8/10 (9 August 2013)

In a cinematic age ruled with an iron monetary fist by soulless, cynical blockbusters, it's increasingly rare to find a high-budget film, particularly one within the realm of fantasy/action, that recalls so wonderfully the spirit of old Hollywood. By this I mean the conjuration of palpable sensations of excitement and wonder, gleefully giddy in its adherence to vision and imagination. It may sound odd to lavish these desirable attributes on a film that is ostensibly about robots and monsters punching each other, but such is the quality of Pacific Rim, a fantastically fun mecha-anime influenced apocalypse film from the ever-creative Guillermo del Toro, most notable for other imaginative adventures such as Hellboy and, my personal favorite, Pan's Labyrinth.
In a decidedly Lovecraftian fashion, enormous monsters (known as Kaiju) have invaded the earth through a portal in the sea. As the attacks escalate in both chronological intervals and devastating scope, humanity forms the Jaeger project, in which megalithic robots are built to combat the looming threat. Each is piloted by two drivers, whose minds must meld to properly control these behemoths, and thus our stage is set for some properly awesome destruction. It's the execution of these battles, both in terms of sheer visual extravagance (monster movie mavens take note!) and more fundamental stylistic choices (the anime inspired designs, the slow, heavy kinetics of the combat) that shine most brightly in Pacific Rim, and will instantly capture the heart of anyone still maintaining a sense of wonder in these dark days. Unfortunately, the same level of praise cannot be fully hoisted onto some of the film's more flagging dramatics, but some scripting and casting issues do little to diminish the palpable pugilistic fun inherent to this uniquely imaginative popcorner.
While the monsters and mechs are thoroughly marvelous, minor problems arise when we take a look at some of the more human elements. While there are a number of exceptionally well-cast roles (Idris Elba as the rough-neck commander, Charlie Day as well, Charlie Day in typically fun comedic relief fashion, and especially Ron Perlman as an underground cartel kingpin and purveyor of Kaiju parts, among others), I took issue with some of the lead choices. Charlie Hunnam is serviceable, if unspectacular as our quintessential handsome white male hero Raleigh Becket, and Robert Kazinsky, his chief rival and fellow Jaeger pilot, not only looks remarkably similar, but their flights of alpha-male bro-down tough guy head-butting did absolutely nothing for me. The running sub-plots of Kazinsky and his father (played by Max Martini) having a somewhat strained relationship, and Raleigh and Rinko (his co-pilot, following his brothers demise by Kaiju claw) learning to work together, feel somewhat lacking in suitably deep dramatic arcs, and the excitement begins to wane when the film chooses to focus on these elements for some of the more extended, Kaiju-less segments.
That being said, there's a refreshing degree of simplicity and honesty to the script and execution as a whole, and this charm is evident even when the dramatics feel mildly stale. There's no cynicism on display here whatsoever, and the overtly traditional scripting is what lends a permeable charm to what, in other hands, could have been disastrous. Going back to the comparison to old Hollywood, it's this straightforward approach to human dynamics, a simple story told well, replete with a degree of ingratiating corniness and the awesomely entertaining (and well-choreographed) action, that makes Pacific Rim work so completely. Petty niggles aside, the film simply radiates fun, and this consistency in spirit and tone make these other asides essentially pointless. After all, anyone interested in this movie is going based on the idealization of giant mechs and monsters duking it out on an epic scale, and it does not disappoint. It may not purvey the mystical gravity or unforgettable characterizations of the peerless Pan's Labyrinth, but Pacific Rim is a summer blockbuster done gloriously right. A win for del Toro, a win for the art of imaginative film-making, and a win for us. Don't miss it.
-Jester Kay (aka Left Hand of Dog) cinemalevolent.blogspot.com